Well, stress and fatigue have the undesireable result of bringing on just one more flare of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Just when I need all my energy and wits about me I have neither energy nor wits. Mums surgery is in a couple of days, and I am working full time for 2 weeks while one of the girls is on holidays. I can't complain because she will have to work full time for 4 weeks while I'm away. But of course the RA flares when I really need it not to. I've been back on painkillers again after weeks without anything. Just what I need when I have to work full time, plan to be away for a month and pack and try to look after the family at the same time. I'm also hoping to do a market when I get back, the first weekend in November. I probably have almost enough stuff for that but should keep making anyway. I need to get more photos printed and sorted and do some more collages. Too much to do and no way to do it.
Oh well enough of a vent. It just bugs me when I get a flare and my hands don't work anymore. I really am looking forward to going to Canada and have got to get the house dug out before I go so that Mark, Merryn and Jordan stand a chance of surviving. I even get to take my jewellery tools on the plane and can happily sit for hours (and hours) making jewellery instead of watching bad movies. But I can't take any lip gloss on the plane so I will feel like prune lips when I get off in Toronto. How weird is that, I can take wire and pliers but no lip balm. I feel the need to create. After I sleep.

We are in mourning. Australia has lost a great character. How tragic for his family and friends and many fans.
My heart goes out to Terry and Bindy and Bob.
Goodbye Steve Irwin.

This is Jordan's latest creation. We are hoping that soon he will be back into his woodwork and feeling creative and productive and happy. He designed and built this a few months ago and has recently finished it off with navy felt on the base of the tray and finished the wood with danish oil.
He really is very talented with his hands. He also likes to do some clay sculpture and has made some really interesting pieces. When I ask what they are, he scornfully says,"if you have to ask, you wouldn't know". I suppose that makes sense.




I am travelling to Toronto in 4 weeks. Mum is having a mastectomy on Friday September 8, so I am going to spend 3 weeks with her the first 3 weeks of October. I'll be home for Canadian Thanksgiving for the first time in about 20 years. It will be nice to just spend some quiet family time. Then I will fly down to Tampa to visit with Cy and Linda for about 6 days. After that I will spend 4 days in New York city by myself!!! Four days!! By myself!!! I can't wait!!! I will catch up with my nephew Paul and check out the Big Apple on my own. I haven't been to New York for about 27 years. Man that makes me sound old.

Check out our recent photos on my flickr badge down on the right side. They are random photos that I will update frequently.

I'd love your comments on my work, both the photography and the jewellery. If you want to see more click on visit my etsy store.

Spring has sprung!!

The weather the last couple of days (the first couple of days of spring), has been glorious. I am so ready for spring, winter has been long and cold.

I've celebrated with more jewellery. Colour is the best cure for the winter blues.